The Mizoram administration is ramping up its efforts to combat illegal cross-border smuggling of areca nuts, issuing a clear directive that accountability will extend to all parties, including public servants and law enforcement officers found complicit in such activities.
Home Minister K. Sapdanga of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) administration reiterated the government’s unwavering resolve to eradicate this illicit trade, which has reportedly entangled politicians and certain police elements in the past. Speaking at an event hosted at the ZPM headquarters in Aizawl, Sapdanga revealed that steps are already underway to cleanse the system of these corrupt influences.
He accused opposition groups of criticizing the anti-smuggling campaign, while maintaining that electorate has turned away from politicians associated with the trade, and implicated police officers are facing compulsory retirement. “Strict penalties will be imposed on anyone engaged in areca nut smuggling, regardless of their status as active personnel or private citizens,” the minister declared.
Sapdanga highlighted the positive economic impact of curbing foreign imports, which has boosted prospects for domestic areca nut farmers, especially in the Hachhek region of Mamit district. The surge in local demand post-enforcement has provided a much-needed lift to these cultivators.
Furthermore, the home minister disclosed plans to escalate ‘Operation Jericho’, a collaborative anti-drug campaign initiated last September by the home and excise departments alongside community groups like the Young Mizo Association (YMA). This operation targets the escalating issues of drug smuggling and substance abuse plaguing the state.
Drawing attention to the severity of the drug problem, Sapdanga pointed out that Aizawl city harbors over 10,000 individuals struggling with addiction, rendering the capital hazardous after sunset for residents of all genders.
In a bid to fortify policing and tackle these safety issues, the government intends to onboard 200 additional police recruits to replenish the understaffed force.
This stringent approach signals Mizoram’s determination to foster a cleaner, safer environment by dismantling smuggling networks and enhancing community security in Northeast India.
Tags: Mizoram Areca Nut Smuggling, Home Minister K Sapdanga, ZPM Government Mizoram, Anti-Smuggling Drive, Operation Jericho Mizoram, Drug Trafficking Crackdown, Police Recruitment Mizoram, Local Farmers Benefits, Northeast India Security, Aizawl Drug Addiction
Hashtags: #Mizoram #ArecaNutSmuggling #KSapdanga #ZPMGovernment #AntiSmuggling #OperationJericho #DrugCrackdown #PoliceRecruitment #LocalFarmers #NortheastIndia #MizoramNews #AizawlSafety
